Multi-residue analysis of several high-production-volume chemicals present in the particulate matter from outdoor air. A preliminary human exposure estimation

Abstract

A multi-residue method based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with pressurised liquid extraction was developed to determine seven organophosphate esters (OPEs), six phthalate esters (PAEs), four benzotriazoles (BTRs), five benzothiazoles (BTHs) and four benzenesulfonamides (BSAs) in particulate matter samples from outdoor air. All of these compounds are among the named high-production volume chemicals (HPVCs) and some of them have shown to be harmful to human, therefore they have been subject for legal regulation in order to control their production and usage. Under optimised conditions, high recovery values (>80%) and low detection limits (pg m−3) were obtained for most of the compounds with accuracy values between 83% and 118%.Some samples from two locations surrounded by different industry activities showed the widespread occurrence of all the PAEs, followed by some OPEs. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was the most abundant compound with concentrations ranging from 1.9 to 97.7 ng m−3. With the concentrations found, estimated daily intakes through outdoor inhalation were calculated for each contaminant and for different population groups classified by age (infants, children and adults) in two possible exposure scenarios (low and high). Then, hazard quotients and carcinogenic risks were estimated for several compounds, those that had toxicological parameters available. This preliminary result showed no significant risks via ambient inhalation for the exposed population, however more research is needed to confirm the present results.